washandjes

Washandjes are small cloths used for washing the body or face. In Dutch households they are commonly used with soap or body wash to scrub the skin during a bath or shower. A washandje can be a flat square or rectangular cloth, or a glove-like mitt that fits over the hand for easier scrubbing. The term is Dutch, with singular washandje and plural washandjes.

Materials and design vary. Most washandjes are made from cotton terrycloth, cotton jersey, or microfiber. Traditional washcloths tend to be around 15 to 25 cm square; mitt designs are shaped to fit the hand. Some variants include textured or exfoliating surfaces to aid cleansing, while disposable or non-woven options are also available.

Usage and care. They are used with soap or body wash and rinsed after use. After washing, washandjes should be wrung out and hung to dry to prevent mildew. Machine washing is common, typically at moderate temperatures (40–60°C) according to the care label; avoid excessive use of fabric softeners as they can reduce absorbency. Replace worn or discolored cloths promptly.

Hygiene. Because washandjes are often damp and stored in bathrooms, they can harbor bacteria if not dried and cleaned regularly. Many households keep separate cloths for face and body and replace them every few weeks to months, depending on wear and washing frequency.

See also. washcloth, bath sponge, loofah.